4.1 This test method is designed as a screening test to evaluate the performance of applied coating systems and other materials designed to resist biofouling settlement.

4.2 The degree and type of fouling will vary depending on the environment. Differences in geographic location of test sites, time of year when panels are exposed, and weather conditions from one year to the next, can affect results. Such variables are accounted taking a fouling census on a nontoxic surface. For the exposure to be valid, the nontoxic surface should show heavy fouling accretion.